McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists

The McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists recognizes and supports outstanding mid-career ceramic artists living and working in Minnesota. Applicants should demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence and may be working in any mode—functional, sculptural, relational, performative, etc.

Two $25,000 grants are awarded annually. Fellowship support may be used for: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; and pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. McKnight Fellowship recipients will be featured in a workshop and an exhibition with a corresponding catalogue at the end of their grant year.

Applications are due Friday, May 21, 2021, by 5 pm CT.

>McKnight Artist Residency for Ceramic Artists

The McKnight Artist Residency for Ceramic Artists program provides exceptional mid-career ceramic artists with an opportunity to be in residence for three months at Northern Clay Center. Up to three, 3-month residencies are awarded each year.

Each resident artist will receive a $6,000 award, studio space provided at no cost, and a glaze and firing allowance. Artists also present a public lecture, and are featured in a catalogue and group exhibition at Northern Clay Center.

Applications are due Friday, May 21, 2021, by 5 pm CT.

>Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award

The WMAA provides an opportunity for students, apprentices, and recent graduates to continue their ceramic research and education for a period of up to twelve consecutive months within the grant year, further expanding their professional development.

One or two cash awards, up to $3,000 each, are made annually for travel, education, or research.

During the grant year, the recipients can research a new technique or process, study with a mentor or in an apprenticeship setting, travel to other ceramic art centers or institutions for classes and workshops, collaborate with artists of another media, and travel. Proposals to fund large capital equipment purchases will not be accepted.

Projects must take place between May 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. Recipients contribute project updates to NCC’s social media and are required to give a public presentation at their school or other institution. See updates from past recipients at northernclaycenter.blogspot.com.

Applications are due Friday, April 9, 2021, by 5 pm CT.”

>Emerging Artist Residency

The Emerging Artist Residency (EAR) program encompasses two unique Fellowships, designed to provide up to three ceramic artists with an opportunity to be in residence for one year at Northern Clay Center, where they can develop their own work, as well as exchange ideas and knowledge with other ceramic artists. The residency culminates in an exhibition in NCC’s galleries the January following the residency.

Applications are due Friday, April 9, 2021, by 5 pm CT.

>Minnesota New Institute for Ceramic Education

Now entering its seventh year, MN NICE is a rigorous program developed in collaboration with Program Head Ursula Hargens. MN NICE provides personalized professional development for artists who are serious about taking the next step in their ceramic evolution. The program is designed to respond to the changing needs of emerging makers with high-level training and mentorship in ceramic materials, history and theory, and professional practice. Through innovative instruction and individual mentorship, artists build skills, knowledge, and insight.

Priority deadline to apply is June 1, 2021.

Learn more about grants programs at Northern Clay Center here: https://northernclaycenter.org/artist-services/